Resolution Impala Saracens unveiled their new 2017/18 kit at the Impala Club yesterday in an event that featured Resolution Insurance Group CEO – Peter Nduati, Resolution Insurance Head Of Marketing – Joan Kariuki and Resolution Insurance Marketing Executive – Wilfred Odera. The event also featured Impala Saracens Club Secretary – Charles Mbogo, Director of Rugby – Fred Ollows and Head Coach – Frank Ndong’.
The event also served as an opportunity to award the 23+ players who indefatigably played a total of eighteen 2016/17 ESS League matches to winning the ESS trophy for the third time in a row. The team, which was captained by Quinto Ongo on 13 occasions only lost two matches, the first, an unfortunate 21-35 loss on 11th March 2017 at home that was immediately followed by a 10-20 loss to Kabras on 18th March 2017 in Kakamega. The boys however, put the setbacks behind them & went ahead to beat Kenya Harlequins 32-12 in the Semis on 8th April 2017. The crowning event for the team was the 13-12 win against KCB in the finals played at USIU on 22nd April 2017.
Resolution Insurance Group CEO – Peter Nduati when asked how he felt about the 2016/17 ESS season:
I watched most of the games. I think I only missed two: Nakuru & Kabras. I can never forget at one point we played Homeboyz & were 0-19 down. The boys fought to winning the match 24-19. I loved watching the consistent Ian Mabwa play at scrum-half. His creativity in linking with any fly-half was beautiful to watch. What I look forward to however is at least 7 of these ESS players rising to the Kenya Cup side next season. Kevin Okeyo, Brian Opar, Meshack Tunechi and Joshua Momanyi are just but some in who I foresee a bright rugby future.
When asked about what else exists for the players after rugby, Mr. Nduati had this to say:
“What we’ve done as a brand is create opportunities for players to go to school. A lot of our funding goes to bursaries. It is also our responsibility to ensure that these players get jobs after completing their studies. Most of us owe our success in life to rugby. Employers found us on the rugby pitch. Business is about climbing mountains every day and rugby players know that better than anyone else. I am happy with players like former Kenya XV fullback – Vincent Mose, current Impala backs coach – Oscar Osir who is a legend in his own right and Head Coach – Frank Ndong’ who all work at Resolution Insurance. They have proven to all of us that character for delivery is built within rugby.”
It could have been thought that Peter would be a little worried about Resolution Insurance losing Ksh. 750,000 in honoring the ESS trophy bonus reward to the 2016/17 Impala Boks squad, but he is assuringly happy, “If there is money I am happy to give out is a bonus cheque. You must also remember that they have been winning weekly bonuses for winning matches.’’
Resolution Impala Saracens is part of the wider Saracens Global Network which includes the Saracens in the UK, Abu Dhabi Saracens, Kuala Lumpur Saracens, Lelo Saracens in Georgia, VVA Saracens in Georgia, Toa Saracens in Tonga, Sao Paulo Saracens in Brazil, Timisoara Saracens in Romania and Seattle Saracens in the US. On July 4th 2016, the UK Saracens announced a 5 year deal with kit manufacturer – BLK (Beyond Limits Known). The deal covers Saracens, Saracens Women and all nine members of the Saracens Global Network. The BLK product range has been developed to fulfil the needs of the modern athlete and supporter, from technical training, match day equipment and apparel to a superior lifestyle and supporter range. The emphasis is on design excellence, performance, durability and innovation. Nearly 10,000 teams globally now wear BLK, including national sides such as the New Zealand Kiwis, French side Stade Toulousain, Fiji, USA Rugby and now – Resolution Impala Saracens. Resolution Impala Saracens will don black at home and red while playing away.